Gone Medieval

It's often assumed that women played a passive role in Medieval society. But did women hold more power than we know? When a richly furnished grave at a Viking burial site was recently discovered to be the final resting place of a woman, not a man, it stunned many archaeologists and challenged the stereotypes of women in Viking society. In this episode, Cat is joined by Dr. Clare Downham from the University of Liverpool, as we discuss the political and military power that women held in the 10th Century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The leopard coin, which is considered the last 'unsuccessful' was re-called shortly after release. But did this coinage make more of an impact than we know? Matt is joined by Dr. Helen Geake, archaeologist and Finds liaison officer in Norfolk for The Portable Antiquities Scheme to discuss the significance of the discovery. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Vikings are remembered fundamentally as seafaring people, and how could they be so if not for their ships? In this episode, Cat speaks to a world expert on Viking ships, Professor Jan Bill, who introduces us to the incredible remains of a Viking ship discovered in a field in Gjellestad, Norway, in 2017. With the excavations nearly complete, Jan and Cat discuss the remarkable proportions of this Viking ship, the technology used to reveal it, and what it tells us about medieval seafaring as a whole. Jan is a Professor of Viking Age Archaeology at the University of Oslo and curator of the Viking Ship Collection at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo since 2007. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Christianity dominating Europe, the Church became one of the most powerful institutions in Britain during the Medieval period and its places of worship played a crucial role in the focal points of people's lives, from birth to death. But as populations declined in areas within the UK, so did the number of attendees, leaving several churches neglected. This is where 'The Friends of Friendless Churches' charity comes into importance. Formed in 1957, this organisation helps to preserve these sites. In this episode, Matt is joined by Rachel Morley, director of 'the Friends', to discuss some of the buildings they care for and their architectural significance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of us use Bluetooth technology every day, but know nothing or little of its namesake. And there is little to be known of the King of Denmark Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, except that he is credited with introducing Christianity to Denmark. In this episode, Søren Sindbæk explains what we do know of Bluetooth, and about his remarkable archaeological discovery of Danish Ring Forts. Søren is a Professor at the University of Aarhus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Britain, you’re never too far from a castle. These landmark structures are key to the history of the country, the rise and fall of great powers being marked upon their walls. In this episode, Dan Spencer takes a closer look at the use of castles in the Wars of the Roses both as defensive garrisons and as headquarters. Dan is a military historian and leading expert in the study of early gunpowder weapons, artillery fortifications and castles. He also takes Matt through the developing use of guns during this period, and the everyday health and safety mishaps which came from operating them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making sacrifices to the Gods is common practice in religion, even today. From symbolic to physical offerings, this is something that has happened for millennia. But did human sacrifice ever take place? And what do we even mean by human sacrifice? In this episode, Cat is joined by Archeologist Marianne Moen from the University of Oslo as we assess what it meant to make the paramount sacrifice in early medieval Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

King Arthur of Camelot, we've all heard stories about him, but who exactly was he? In this episode of Gone Medieval, Matt is joined by Senior Lecturer of Early Medieval European History, Katherine Weikert. Exploring King Arthur's impact and power, we delve into why such an elusive king became a historic anchor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Levi Roach, historian from the University of Exeter and author of 'Æthelred the Unready', explores the controversial reign of Ethelred, his military failures, political struggles, and reputation in early medieval England. They discuss the nickname 'the Unready', his strategic marriages, recruitment of Viking groups, and succession disputes. The podcast delves into the challenges faced by historians in understanding Ethelred's legacy and his tumultuous rule during Viking invasions.

Giving birth in the middle ages was a dangerous time for women. It had no regard for class, wealth, or status. It could even have been more dangerous for richer, Nobel women. Matt is joined by author Michèle Schindler, to take us through the realities and some of the weird and wonderful stories around conception, infertility, and giving birth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.